The Bill would require the Secretary of State to publish guidance on opencast mining policy in England. The guidance must include a specific policy requiring a 500-metre separation zone to be maintained between opencast mining sites and the nearest residential premises, unless the circumstances are exceptional.

It would require that mineral planning authorities in England must have regard to any such guidance issued when fulfilling their functions.

The Bill would bring the guidance on opencast mining in England more closely into line with the guidance that applies in Scotland and Wales.

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